Sunday, September 30, 2012

Twenty-two miles of Bull
Creek and Silver Creek trails reopen today (Oct. 1) to motorcycle and non-motorized use following
extensive trail work by several public agencies and recreation groups. The trails had been closed for two years to rehabilitate the trails, install culverts and a bridge, and brush and clear the trail.

The trail project, located in the Emmett Ranger District of the Boise National Forest, was a partnership project with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Boise
National Forest, Trails Unlimited, Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association, Squaw Butte Backcountry Horsemen, and the Emmett Rough Riders ATV Club.

The singletrack trails are open for motorcycle and non-motorized recreation use to provide for sustainable
and manageable opportunities while reducing impacts to natural resources and
watershed values. ATV or UTV use of the trails is prohibited.

New 35-foot bridge before, above, and after, below.

All told, the reconstruction project included:

Installing 42 arched culverts throughout the 22-mile-long trail system. The culverts will improve drainage on the trails and reduce trail
erosion.

Rerouting 10 sections (3 major) of the trail network.

Building a 35-foot bridge

Building a 40-foot-long retaining wall

Connecting the upper Bull Creek Trail with the Rice
Peak Trail for a longer ride opportunity that extends into the Cascade Ranger District, and other public trails near Stolle Meadows.

Completing extensive brushing and clearing of the
trail width and tread.

Treasure Valley
TMA volunteered weekend work over a two-year period for
many project tasks. In addition, the Squaw Butte Backcountry Horsemen
volunteered with trail clearing.The
Emmett Rough Riders ATV Club volunteered to do trail clearing on the Telephone Ridge
Trail, which was key to equipment hauling and better access to the upper Bull
Creek Trail.

The trail
system will be seasonally designated for use from July 1 through November
14. Further information is available by
contacting the Emmett Ranger District at 208-365-7000, or by going to http://trails.idaho.gov. Search for Bull Creek Trail or Silver Creek Trail to check on seasonal restrictions.